Autopsy Technician

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Overview
Handles, prepares, cares for decedents passing through the morgue for release to funeral home, including all aspects of reporting and administrative needs. Handles, prepares, performs autopsies for decedents passing at YNHH (or other DNs as contracted) or outside who come for post mortem examination. Other tasks incidental to the service.

*Principal Responsibilities:

Works under the supervision of a full time autopsy technician I, II, or III. Washes, dries, positions bodies. Prepares materials necessary for ancillary testing during postmortem exam. Prepares and preserves tissue specimens. Assists in body evisceration (organ removal). Maintains preserving solutions as needed. Records information and completes forms and assists with various clerical duties. Sets up visual aids/tissue specimens for classroom/lab instruction.  Provides for and ensures that appropriate hygiene and sanitary standards are observed and maintained. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment. Responsible for receiving and releasing all bodies. Documents presence or absence of personal effects of the decedent and documents for chain of custody. Receives and verifies forms and credentials for permission for autopsy and the receipt and release of all bodies. Obtains permission for postmortem examination with a witness. Interacts with funeral directors and other concerned parties with handling of the deceased. Packages and or delivers and or obtains specimens to/from other laboratories as needed. Addresses concerns with senior technician(s) and/or management. Assists callers with their needs in regards to the autopsy and morgue service. Enters data and accessions morgue patients and autopsies into LIS. Review and document pertinent information from EPIC for proper preparation of remains for funeral home disposition and/or autopsy. Maintains inventory of all supplies and alerts staff when items need ordering. Maintains routine maintenance and safety logs in regards to temperature and other conditions. Maintains established policies and procedures. Maintains proper cleanliness of autopsy suites. Demonstrates ability to work calmly and professionally in potentially graphic scenarios with regular exposure to unpleasant odors & visuals, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases, complex tools and equipment, sharp dissection tools. Maintains confidentiality at all times and has knowledge of HIPAA.  Performs additional functions as needed, incidental to autopsy or morgue service.

Required Skills and Abilities

Ability to use LIS and EMR systems

Can demonstrate empathy and tact in speaking with families of deceased

Organization and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


 

Principal Responsibilities

1. Washes, dries, measures, and positions bodies. 2. Prepares and preserve tissue and specimens. Assists in body dissection. 3. Prepares preserving solutions. 4. Records information and completes forms. 5. Maintains file of specimens used in teaching programs. Instructs and serves as a source of information to support staff on autopsy procedures and equipment operation. 6. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. Sets up visual aids for classroom instruction. 7. Performs additional functions incidental to autopsy activities. Required Education and Experience Four years of related work experience, two of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or two years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

09/18/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$0.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Temporary / Casual (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

This role is a healthcare worker position. Healthcare workers (HCW) are defined as university employees working a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients, human research subjects or infectious materials including body substance, contaminated medical supplies, devices and equipment, surfaces, or air.  HCW have specific health requirements that must be met prior to starting work, including MMR vaccine or immunity, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or immunity, TB screening, COVID vaccine according to University policy, hepatitis B vaccine or immunity, and annual flu vaccination.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.